Giants notes: Jeremy Affeldt “embarrassed” after another off-field injury puts him on DL, Joe Panik won’t be back for Dodgers series, etc.

SAN FRANCISCO – Jeremy Affeldt doesn’t have to be handling sharp objects or roughhousing with his boys to injure himself on an off day.

Sometimes you just have to add water.

The Giants placed Affeldt on the 15-day disabled list with a subluxated left knee, an injury he sustained while stepping off an inflatable platform into shallow lake water.

Affeldt said he has a torn patellar ligament but trainers told him that surgery wasn’t needed and he plans to pitch again this season, albeit with a knee brace. He already wore one brace on his right knee ever since he injured it in a household accident in 2012.

“I’ll have every brace known to man on every joint known to man,” Affeldt said.

The veteran left-hander called the incident “another standard ‘me’ injury.”

The Giants recalled right-hander Michael Broadway from Triple-A Sacramento to take Affeldt’s roster spot as the club prepared to begin a challenging six-game homestand with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.

Affeldt had flown home to Spokane, Wash., to spend Monday’s day off because he wouldn’t see his kids for five weeks and all two of his three boys have birthdays on Friday. They were spending the day on Loon Lake.

“We were doing water stuff, having a good time – not wakeboarding or inner tubing or anything like that,” Affeldt said. “We were just playing with float stuff on the lake and … I lost my footing.

“I feel bad. It’s an embarrassing thing for me. It’s unfortunate, especially the timing. I didn’t foresee it coming. I wasn’t being stupid. I wasn’t doing anything dumb. … I feel bad, but I was with my children so I won’t apologize for it. It was a frustrating phone call (to Giants trainers) that I had to make, I can promise you that.”

Affeldt said he was favoring his right knee when he heard something pop in his left knee.

“I was under the water knowing I did something,” he said. “I delayed coming out of the water, knowing I just did something on an off day again. My wife looked at me and said, `You did something, didn’t you?’ Of all the boys, I’m the one who got in trouble. I got the shaking of the head.”

In 2012, Affeldt injured his right knee when one of his sons tackled him. In September, 2011, Affeldt required surgery to repair nerve damage in his right hand when he stabbed himself while trying to separate frozen hamburger patties.

Affeldt said he hopes to be back in two weeks but would rest for at least six days while the swelling subsides in his knee. He’s eligible to be activated as early as Sept. 8.

Although Josh Osich had supplanted Affeldt as a prime left-handed setup man, the injury reduces Bruce Bochy’s choices down to two lefties in the bullpen. He might have to think harder about how he utilizes specialist Javier Lopez.

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In other pregame news, Joe Panik has returned from his rehab work in Arizona and is playing long toss while bending over to field light grounders. But Bochy has ruled out Panik returning in time for the three-game series at Dodger Stadium that begins Aug. 31. The earliest Panik could return would be later on the trip in Colorado or Arizona, Bochy said.

Angel Pagan is playing for Triple-A Sacramento at Omaha, and as of this writing, he is 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and a walk.

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Here are lineups the Giants try to climb back in the NL wild card picture with the Cubs, who have a 6 ½-game hold on the second spot. Lose two of three in this series and the Giants could be left with just one avenue (albeit the preferred one – winning the NL West) to the postseason

They’ll have to contend with a pitcher, Jake Arrieta, who has thrown 12 consecutive quality starts and is 9-1 with a 1.26 ERA over that span.

Andrew Baggarly

Andrew Baggarly has documented the most eventful era in San Francisco Giants baseball history, having covered the team since 2004 for th​ree major media outlets including the San Jose Mercury News and the Oakland Tribune​. This is his 20th season as a baseball writer.
​Baggarly is the author of the bestselling book, A Band of Misfits: Tales of the 2010 San Francisco Giants, and the newly published Giant Splash: Bondsian Blasts, World Series Parades and Other Thrilling Moments By the Bay. Baggarly’s other notable life accomplishments include running as the Bratwurst in the Milwaukee Sausage Race and becoming a three-time Jeopardy! champion.

Sorry, not accepting Affeldt’s excuses this time. This is the THIRD time he’s gone onto the DL for screwing up his body while at home — not on the field. He could have gone home and had birthday cake with his kids, he didn’t have to go out onto a lake and onto a raft or whateverthehell he was doing with them. In six weeks or so, he’ll have the entire offseason to jack around with his kids at home. He’s got a $6million annual deal to pitch, not jack around at home. This is no excuse territory. He is now officially a moron….

Giants brass: Jeremy we’re going to need you to go on the DL.
Affeldt: What should I say happened, another snack related mishap?
Giants brass: How about we try “water stuff”.
Affeldt: Water stuff?
Giants brass: Just say you lost your footing in some water.
Affeldt: How embarrassing, but not nearly as embarrassing as the frozen patties incident at least.

Snarkk was snarky, but he has a point. Affeldt could have spent time with his family without having to go in the lake (where he reportedly was off balance because of his bad knee and then hurt his good knee). In a matter of weeks, he could be home doing whatever activities he wants to do, and he IS being paid a lot of money.

This may open a door for Okert, though. I didn’t know if he’d get a call-up since they had three lefties and would have to make a 40-man move, but now I wouldn’t surprised to see some lefty get the nod. Clay Rapada is another possibility, or even Ty Blach.

I’d say Clay Rapada. There was an article in the Bee about him a weel or so ago. He has big league experience. He’s the guy. No problem DFA for Lollis and I have no problem with Carbonell DFA if necessary. Could move someone like Timmy or Tim to 60 day DL if really had to.

My ex-brother-in-law works for the GG Bridge District and his sole job is to re-new the yearly lease on the GGB physical anchors of the bridge in Marin and City and County of SF from the State and Federal Government. These leases are required yearly and since he’s retiring in November, he’ll take a quick retirement contribution to alter said leases to you instead the Bridge District. Blah, blah, blah… You get it now?

Well then I guess he looks like the one that looks like him. I don’t know – the ones my brother had as a kid. They all sorta looked alike. They came with different stuff, but the basic look was all the same.

It’s his whole being. Something about that guy just bugs the heck out of me, and that was BEFORE I heard the walk-up music. I did not like what I saw in spring training (the way he half-assed warm-ups and such). The music just confirmed my already-held belief that the guy was completely full of himself

Tim Kurkjian has told a funny story about Arrieta. He said he witnessed, at the prompting of a teammate, Arrieta walk across the Orioles clubhouse floor on his hands. Apparently he’s a very good athlete.

Yes. Last night On my off day I went to the Tri-City Valley Cats (Astros short season team ) versus the Connecticut Tigers in the NY Penn League. First Pitch was the way to follow the stats. (Cats win on a walk off single)

Giants hitters predictably struggling against Arrieta. One hitter who did well against Arrieta last time was Duffy — had a triple and a line-out. Duffy seems to hit good pitchers better than the other Giants hitters. He had three hits off Liriano on Sunday and I remember he had a few hits off Felix Hernandez.

It’s fair. They sent their second-best pitcher to the minors because of silly magical thinking that Cain was back and that two good starts by Vogey, who’s been inconsistent all year, meant they could do without Heston during the two most crucial weeks of the season. It was risky and now it looks extremely foolish.

Not blaming the Giants staff or anything but it is quite concerning that both Lincecum and Cain stellar careers came to a finish while they were still very young, both at age 28 started their downfall. Hope Bumgarner doesn’t go down this road

I’m not really sure what that means. We disagreed with the move when it happened and argued that it was terribly risky given what was at stake these next two weeks. What are we supposed to do, pretend we didn’t notice? I’m certainly not happy about it.

And it’s not “all good.” The NL West may well be out of reach by the time Heston returns.

Surf beat me to it, but the start in game 1 of the Wrigley series was huge on many levels (Leake was out, etc.) Heston barfed it bad and was fading. I love Heston. Cain’s bad results need to be seperated from Heston hitting a rookie wall and needing a break to me

I don’t think its a lack of pride or work ethic with Cain. I just think he doesn’t ahve the stuff to put guys away. Expectations aren’t in line with reality in my opinion just by watching him pitch in 2013 and 14. He probably wants to do well as much as anybody but his stuff isn’t good enough to get away with mistakes. He needs to put people away or make some adjustments

6.22 ERA. In a pennant race. Yeah, I think the ole “injury bug” might bite Cain soon. Bummer. The man has done so much good for this team, and to see him slide down an oil slick to less than mediocrity just like another beloved hero of ours (Timmy) is just disheartening.

Please gods of giants baseball have Bochy and the FO put Cain down for the season and spare your loyal fans I there are other pitchers who warrant a chance in the rotation and by this I mean Hudson, Heston, Petit, as well as Blach or Blackburn I best for Cain to give a fresh start in 2016 too.

I don’t reply to each of you polyannas I have better things to do than blogging all day long. If you actually think this season is going well you must be related to Larry Baer or an owner on the bus. The Gs are 2 and 12 now 13 against the Cubs Cards and Pirates. Horrible. Cain is a hr serving disaster Timmy’s there too so stop attacking me aim your frustration at the Gs brass who signed these guys to way too many $$$$$$$$. I said great series vs nationals u missed it pay attention. That was last series win .

Coming off surgery this year…maybe too early? He’s had a good number of starts to work things out. Next year will be make-or-break in my opinion. He’s had a great career and was a good Giant, but likely on a steep downslide to his career.

I am still confused how the front office has told fans for years that att park is a pitchers ballpark except to good hitting teams that come in here and show that it really isn’t…I think it’s a fair ballpark. That plays equal to the hitter and the pitcher

Bottom line: The Giants got a lot of innings and pitches out of Cain and Lincecum when they were young and cheap, and it paid off, big-time. Too bad they threw huge money at both of them after they’d used them up, but it was still worth it when you consider the good years and the championships, and what’s done is done.

I don’t know, both Vogelong and Peavy have been done before and come back to life for long stretches. I wouldn’t forsake the rest of Cain’s career yet. He may have a couple of quality starts and big wins down the stretch.

Well with this likely being Lincecum’s last year on the club, I for one was worried what would happen to the annual “Timmy’s back!” column that would appear during spring training. “He’s added weight”!! “He’s lost weight”!! “He likes his dad again”!! And my personal favorite “He’s gonna pitch smart like Maddux”. But I’m not worried because it would seem that Cain is going to carry on this tradition, into at least year 4. Can’t wait to read the stories in March. “Cain’s found Yoga”! “Cain got a puppy”. “Cain seeks help of psychic”. Who knows. But i’m sure they’ll be good. Carl or Baggs, do us proud.

To say his career is over with is ridiculous. If he was topping out at 89 then maybe I’d agree. He actually has good velocity and movement. He just can’t quite control his location just yet. Is there a chance he never will? Sure. But I think the odds are much greater he gets used to his re-newed flexibility and figures it out. But that’s not as much fun as calling him a bum or writing him off.

All that’s left is the post-game spin cycle on Cain. “He’s a start or two away.” “We gotta get the bats goin’ for him.” “We’re gonna tweak the mechanics. He’s close.” “He looked real good. Just an arm slot issue.” I love Matt Cain and everything he’s meant to the Orange and Black, but I don’t think there is anything salvageable for 2015 at this point, and it’s time for Bochy and the crew to face it and call it for what it is.

I think they have to proceed in the offseason under the assumption that Cain is not going to help them at all next year. That probably means going after two new starting pitchers and not just one. They’re paying Cain either way, so if he has a renaissance, then yay, a stacked rotation. But they’ve been counting on him “bouncing back” since 2013, and they need to let it go.

Giants aren’t big on knee-jerk, emotional reactions, so I have a strong feeling they won’t be in lock step with the blog. There may be some murmurs suggestive that his next start is sort of make or break for him, but I don’t think that decision is made tonight.

Cain cannot deviate the slightest in body form mechanics. He has to be the same mechanics and motion, direction , arm slot and extension every time. The head has to remain quiet every time. The slightest deviation for him and there is no accurate control. Some pitchers can adjust mid stride and compensate. Doesn’t appear Cain can.

Heston was only out to give him a break. He has to effectively replace someone when he returns next week. Probably Cain as it now stands. But we haven’t seen how bad the other starters might look this week.

Timmy actually had the lowest ERA in the Giants stating rotation until his last few starts in June, and started 3 shutouts, and another start with 7 innings of shutout ball ,that the bullpen lost , His record the last 2 years is 19-13 .

I was hoping they could allocate their $50 mil. of freed-up money toward one starting pitcher and an outfielder. Now I think they need to take advantage of the tremendous buyers’ market for free agent starters and set themselves up for the next few years. They’re in exactly the same situation with Cain that they were with Zito when he had two years to go on his contract…couldn’t dump him but couldn’t count on him, either. (And Zito fooled us all with his 2012 heroics–be pretty nice if that happened with Cain next year, too.)

1. Fatigue. Heston hadn’t thrown this many innings in a year to date, I do believe.

2. To see if Matt Cain and/or Vogie had regained their former competency. Although Vogie hadn’t looked very good either on Sun., I think the consensus is Cain will be replaced by Heston.

But the real question is…can we wait until rosters expand? Cain will get another start before then. Do we risk it? As bad as this team has looked for a week now, we’re still in it. Very much in it, and every game is crucial. No more tinkering.

He pitched inside to Pence as well. I think the intent is there. Don’t like that guy. He hurt Aoki. Unprofessional and dangerous. He has to have some accountability for that, or he can end someone’s career. He keeps pitching carelessly inside.

Let’s be clear. I’m not feisty because I’m physically imposing. I’m 5’4″ if I round up and lie. I have to get the clerk at Petco to put the 50 lb. bag of dog food in my car. Just didn’t want there to be any false advertising.

You better believe it. They should’ve at least buzzed Arrieta already tonight. He hit Aoki in the head and gave him a concussion. Dangerous pitch. Then, after that, in the same game, he repeatedly throws inside to Pence, brushing him back, eliciting a rare Pence glare. The arrogance of continuing to throw inside after beaning someone is dangerous and needs to be addressed, if not to just protect our own players. It’s getting ridiculous. The guy thinks he’s invincible and can do whatever he pleases.

Did you enjoy seeing Arrieta give Aoki a concussion? Did you enjoy seeing him brush back Pence as well? I’m not crying at all pal. When someone hits one of my guys in the head and keeps up his arrogant behavior, the last thing I wanna do is tip my cap. I wanna stick it up his a$$. Maybe you need to “man up?” Or is that too hard?

I don’t root for any team other than the Giants like a lot of folks here. I detest the DH, but should the Giants miss a golden opportunity being handed over to them time and again by the Dodgers, why not a Canadian team?

I love Toronto. Amazing city. Visited there in June to see Rush. Hadn’t missed Rush on a tour in 25 years and I went to see em in their hometown of Toronto bc they weren’t coming to Pittsburgh. What a beautiful place. Great people. Clean city. And if the Giants can’t win the WS this year, no American team should either!!

I had such a wonderful time. Only city I liked visiting more was San Fran, but Toronto is a close 2nd. They are similar in a few key ways. Canada has a great vibe to it. Coming back to San Fran this Spring. Can’t wait!!

You gotta think that Wotus will be working with him on fielding. He seems like an intelligent ballplayer with good instincts. Just needs to refine his defense. I recall Duffy being shaky in the field at first, but he got settled in. I think KT can do the same and be a premier utilityman. His bat is LIVELY.

Lesser known prospect Kelvin Marte outdueled Top Pitching Prospect, Lucas Giolito, of the Nationals at AA. Marte even recorded more strikeouts than the gas throwing Giolito. Marte is a 27 y.o. lefty. You just never know…

I never root for any team but the Giants.
Wish the Dodgers got shutout every games.
Don’t like the Yankees, A’s, Padres, Rockies, Mets, Red Sox
Glad to see underdogs do well all things equal
Respect the Cards a lot but that ends when facing the Giants
I don’t want other teams to even be competitive with the Giants
Always follow past home grown or peak career Giants players after they leave the team and in most cases want them to do well.
Think the DH debases baseball

Yeah, for sure. I landed in SF 21 years ago from India. I have been to a lot of countries and have worked in a few as well. People always ask me if I’d move and my response is unequivocally , Hell No!!. Very expensive but worth it

Did you notice the aqua green tinted windows on almost every building? And that architecture?? Japanese in style? Whatever it was it was simply amazing. Never saw an architectural unification like that in my life. Like an Emerald City of sorts. Felt like I was in an enchanted place. I had a room on the 27th floor with a full lakeside view on Lake Ontario. I think the place is magical. And I had the best Eggs Benedict of my life at Figs.

Haha I hear ya. But I felt a crispness as soon as I got off the plane. Plus I love the weather. Lotta people skewer me for that, but I love spring/autumn weather. Hate extremes in weather, and SF is perfect for that. Detest humidity. Hate heat. SF is the bomb.

Good for you. I get the same vitriol here in PA. People think just bc we have cold horrible winters that extreme heat and humidity is the answer. IT ISN’T! It’s worse. If it’s cold, you can do something about it if you venture outside your door. You wear a coat. If it’s HOT, you can do absolutely nothing about it but suffer.

I wonder if Chris Heston could have held the Cubs under 6 runs. Thanks Cain! Since Heston went down only Leake and Bumgarrner have pitched decent games. Bochy will have all kind of options to put him back in the rotation after his rest.

Heston is not a 23 year old rookie and has some innings under his belt.

Bringing our All-Star 2B and former All-Star RF and spiritual leader back, as well as a solid rookie starter with a no-hitter under his belt can only work better than this. And I’m looking forward to it.

Yes, very tough to hit without regular at bats for a young kid. He has a good swing going right now and seeing the ball well. I wouldn’t mind if they put him at catcher, Buster at 1st , and Belt in OF a couple times randomly if they think they need more offense. He is seeing it well

11 HRs in 52 innings for Cain and Heston has given up 9 in 145 innings. Hope he is enjoying his vacation while Cain, Vogelsong, and Peavy give up 4-6 runs a start. Heston gave up 1 run in 6 1/3 innings to a good Astros team in his second to last start and then struggled against the Cardinals but still only gave up one run and kept them in the yard and in the game.